21edo: Difference between revisions
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== Theory == | == Theory == | ||
21edo contains three [[7edo]] "equiheptatonic" scales, and can be interpreted as 7edo but with the capability to inflect up or down by a quarter-tone. The 7edo subset functions as an equalized "[[5L 2s|diatonic]]" scale, though non-mos options might also be preferable (such as [[omnidiatonic]]). In other words, all intervals have "minor", "neutral", and "major" variations, which makes building scales in 21edo rather interesting. If 21edo is analyzed purely diatonically, no chromatic alterations can exist because the [[chromatic semitone]] is equal to 0 cents (a fact characteristic of [[whitewood]] temperaments). So, another pair of accidentals (such as ups and downs) is usually used instead, though they might be "reskinned" as sharps and flats to aid melodic intuition. | |||
21edo | 21edo supports {{w|tertian harmony}} with 7edo's flat fifth, containing both 7edo's neutral chords and inflected major and minor chords. The [[5/4]] major third is mapped to 400{{c}}, identical to 12edo's, but the minor third is more extreme in 21edo due to the flatness of the fifth (closer to subminor), so that the chords might be more comparable to [[neogothic]] chords. In fact, [[6/5]] is slightly closer to the 6-step neutral third than the 5-step minor third, meaning 21edo lacks [[consistency]] to the [[5-odd-limit]]. | ||
In | In terms of interval regions, 21edo possesses four types of 2nds (subminor, minor, submajor, and supermajor), three types of 3rds (subminor, neutral, and major), a "third-fourth/naiadic" (an interval that can function as either a supermajor 3rd or a narrow 4th), a wide (or acute) 4th, and a narrow tritone, as well as the octave-inversions of all of these intervals. | ||
Because 21edo is a {{W|Fibonacci sequence|Fibonacci}} edo, it contains an approximation to the [[logarithmic phi]] superfifth, which generates golden MOS scales [[3L 2s]], [[5L 3s]], and [[8L 5s]], with 21edo itself being an equalized version of [[13L 8s]]. | |||
Thanks to its sevenths, 21edo is an ideal tuning for its size for [[metallic harmony]]. | Thanks to its sevenths, 21edo is an ideal tuning for its size for [[metallic harmony]]. | ||
=== Odd harmonics === | |||
{{Harmonics in equal|21|columns=11}} | |||
{{Harmonics in equal|21|columns=11|start=12|collapsed=1|title=Approximation of odd harmonics in 21edo (continued)}} | |||
== Intervals == | == Intervals == | ||
Note names are given with 7edo as the naturals and arrows (written as ^ and v) for inflections up/down by one edostep. Inconsistent intervals are in ''italics''. | |||
{| class="wikitable center-1 right-2 right-3" | |||
|- | |||
! # | |||
! Name | |||
! Cents | |||
! Approximate Ratios* | |||
|- | |||
| 0 | |||
| C | |||
| 0.00 | |||
| [[1/1]] | |||
|- | |||
| 1 | |||
| ^C | |||
| 57.14 | |||
| [[21/20]] | |||
|- | |||
| 2 | |||
| vD | |||
| 114.29 | |||
| [[14/13]], [[15/14]], [[16/15]] | |||
|- | |||
| 3 | |||
| D | |||
| 171.43 | |||
| ''[[9/8]]'', ''[[13/12]]'', [[35/32]] | |||
|- | |||
| 4 | |||
| ^D | |||
| 228.57 | |||
| [[8/7]], ''[[10/9]]'' | |||
|- | |||
| 5 | |||
| vE | |||
| 285.71 | |||
|''[[6/5]]'', [[7/6]] | |||
|- | |||
| 6 | |||
| E | |||
| 342.86 | |||
| [[39/32]], [[128/105]], [[16/13]] | |||
|- | |||
| 7 | |||
| ^E | |||
| 400.00 | |||
| [[5/4]], ''[[9/7]]'' | |||
|- | |||
| 8 | |||
| vF | |||
| 457.14 | |||
| [[13/10]], [[21/16]] | |||
|- | |||
| 9 | |||
| F | |||
| 514.29 | |||
| [[4/3]] | |||
|- | |||
| 10 | |||
| ^F | |||
| 571.43 | |||
| [[7/5]] | |||
|- | |||
| 11 | |||
| vG | |||
| 628.57 | |||
| [[10/7]] | |||
|- | |||
| 12 | |||
| G | |||
| 685.71 | |||
| [[3/2]] | |||
|- | |||
| 13 | |||
| ^G | |||
| 742.86 | |||
| [[20/13]], [[32/21]] | |||
|- | |||
| 14 | |||
| vA | |||
| 800.00 | |||
| [[8/5]], ''[[14/9]]'' | |||
|- | |||
| 15 | |||
| A | |||
| 857.14 | |||
| [[64/39]], [[105/64]], [[13/8]] | |||
|- | |||
| 16 | |||
| ^A | |||
| 914.29 | |||
|''[[5/3]]'', [[12/7]] | |||
|- | |||
| 17 | |||
| vB | |||
| 971.43 | |||
| [[7/4]], ''[[9/5]]'' | |||
|- | |||
| 18 | |||
| B | |||
| 1028.57 | |||
| ''[[16/9]]'', ''[[24/13]]'', [[64/35]] | |||
|- | |||
| 19 | |||
| ^B | |||
| 1085.71 | |||
| [[13/7]], [[28/15]], [[15/8]] | |||
|- | |||
| 20 | |||
| vC | |||
| 1142.86 | |||
| [[40/21]] | |||
|- | |||
| 21 | |||
| C | |||
| 1200.00 | |||
| [[2/1]] | |||
|} | |||
<nowiki/>*As a [[2.3.5.7.13 subgroup|2.3.5.7.13-subgroup]] temperament | |||
== Notation == | |||
The following table gives a comparison of some notation systems for 21edo. | |||
{| class="wikitable center-all right-3 right-5" | {| class="wikitable center-all right-3 right-5" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 25: | Line 152: | ||
! [[Cent]]s | ! [[Cent]]s | ||
! colspan="3" | [[Ups and downs notation]] | ! colspan="3" | [[Ups and downs notation]] | ||
! [[5L 3s]] | ! [[5L 3s]] octatonic<br>notation | ||
! [[Extended-diatonic interval names|Extended-diatonic <br> interval name]] | ! [[Extended-diatonic interval names|Extended-diatonic <br> interval name]] | ||
|+ | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 0 | | 0 | ||
| Line 38: | Line 163: | ||
| C | | C | ||
| Unison | | Unison | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 1 | | 1 | ||
| Line 49: | Line 171: | ||
| C# | | C# | ||
| Subminor 2nd | | Subminor 2nd | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2 | | 2 | ||
| Line 60: | Line 179: | ||
| Db | | Db | ||
| Minor 2nd | | Minor 2nd | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 3 | | 3 | ||
| Line 71: | Line 187: | ||
| D | | D | ||
| Submajor 2nd | | Submajor 2nd | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 4 | | 4 | ||
| Line 82: | Line 195: | ||
| D# | | D# | ||
| Supermajor 2nd | | Supermajor 2nd | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 5 | | 5 | ||
| Line 93: | Line 203: | ||
| Eb | | Eb | ||
| Subminor 3rd | | Subminor 3rd | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 6 | | 6 | ||
| Line 104: | Line 211: | ||
| E | | E | ||
| Neutral 3rd | | Neutral 3rd | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 7 | | 7 | ||
| Line 115: | Line 219: | ||
| E#/Fb | | E#/Fb | ||
| Major 3rd | | Major 3rd | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 8 | | 8 | ||
| Line 126: | Line 227: | ||
| F | | F | ||
| Third-fourth ([[naiadic]]) | | Third-fourth ([[naiadic]]) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 9 | | 9 | ||
| Line 137: | Line 235: | ||
| F# | | F# | ||
| Acute 4th | | Acute 4th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 10 | | 10 | ||
| Line 148: | Line 243: | ||
| Gb | | Gb | ||
| Narrow tritone | | Narrow tritone | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 11 | | 11 | ||
| Line 159: | Line 251: | ||
| G | | G | ||
| Wide tritone | | Wide tritone | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 12 | | 12 | ||
| Line 170: | Line 259: | ||
| G# | | G# | ||
| Grave 5th | | Grave 5th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 13 | | 13 | ||
| Line 181: | Line 267: | ||
| Hb | | Hb | ||
| Fifth-sixth ([[cocytic]]) | | Fifth-sixth ([[cocytic]]) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 14 | | 14 | ||
| Line 192: | Line 275: | ||
| H | | H | ||
| Minor 6th | | Minor 6th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 15 | | 15 | ||
| Line 203: | Line 283: | ||
| H#/Ab | | H#/Ab | ||
| Neutral 6th | | Neutral 6th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 16 | | 16 | ||
| Line 214: | Line 291: | ||
| A | | A | ||
| Supermajor 6th | | Supermajor 6th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 17 | | 17 | ||
| Line 225: | Line 299: | ||
| A# | | A# | ||
| Subminor 7th | | Subminor 7th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 18 | | 18 | ||
| Line 236: | Line 307: | ||
| Bb | | Bb | ||
| Supraminor 7th | | Supraminor 7th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 19 | | 19 | ||
| Line 247: | Line 315: | ||
| B | | B | ||
| Major 7th | | Major 7th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 20 | | 20 | ||
| Line 258: | Line 323: | ||
| B#/Cb | | B#/Cb | ||
| Supermajor 7th | | Supermajor 7th | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 21 | | 21 | ||
| Line 269: | Line 331: | ||
| C | | C | ||
| Octave | | Octave | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Sagittal notation === | === Sagittal notation === | ||
This notation uses the same sagittal sequence as [[16edo#Sagittal notation|16-EDO]], is a subset of the notation for [[42edo#Second-best fifth notation|42b]], and is a superset of the notation for [[7edo#Sagittal notation|7-EDO]]. | This notation uses the same sagittal sequence as [[16edo#Sagittal notation|16-EDO]], is a subset of the notation for [[42edo#Second-best fifth notation|42b]], and is a superset of the notation for [[7edo#Sagittal notation|7-EDO]]. | ||
{{Sagittal chart|}} | |||
== Chords == | == Chords == | ||
| Line 366: | Line 411: | ||
== Approximation to JI == | == Approximation to JI == | ||
While 21edo does not approximate most low-limit just intervals well, it approximates a number of harmonics quite accurately. For example, 21edo closely approximates the [[octave-reduced]] [[harmonic]]s [[7/4]] (a subminor seventh), [[15/8]] (a major seventh), [[23/16]] (a wide tritone), [[29/16]] (a supraminor seventh), [[31/16]] (a supermajor seventh), [[33/32]] (a quartertone), [[39/32]] (a neutral third), and [[43/32]] (an acute fourth). The intervals [[17/16]], [[19/16]], [[27/16]] are approximated less accurately, but are still usable, though 19 being flat combined with 17 and 27 being sharp means that [[19/17]] and [[27/19]] are over 20 cents off. 21edo can be crudely treated as a no-11s 31-limit temperament, though the lack of consistency will give some unusual results, such as [[10/9]] being mapped wider than [[9/8]]. However, treating 21edo as a 2.15.7.33.39.23.29.31.43 subgroup temperament allows for a more accurate JI interpretation of the tuning, with a maximum error of any 43-odd-limit interval in this subgroup being 6.4{{c}}. These approximations are also used by [[63edo]] and [[84edo]], which each cover many primes in high limits. 21edo also works well on the 2.27.9/5.7.11/5.13/5.17/5 subgroup, which can be derived from 63edo, and is possibly a more sensible way to treat it. | |||
}} | |||
= | {| class="wikitable right-1 right-2 mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | ||
|+ style="white-space: nowrap;" | JI approximation of 21edo | |||
|- | |||
! Steps | |||
! Cents | |||
! Approximate ratios* | |||
! Additional ratios<br>of 17, 19, and 27** | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 0 | |||
| 0.00 | |||
| colspan="2" | [[1/1]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 1 | | 1 | ||
| | | 57.14 | ||
| [[ | | [[29/28]], [[30/29]], [[31/30]], [[32/31]], [[33/32]] | ||
| [[28/27]], [[34/33]], [[39/38]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 2 | ||
| | | 114.29 | ||
| [[ | | [[15/14]], [[16/15]], [[31/29]], [[33/31]], [[46/43]] | ||
| [[17/16]], [[29/27]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 3 | ||
| | | 171.43 | ||
| [[ | | [[11/10]], [[32/29]], [[31/28]], [[43/39]] | ||
| [[10/9]], [[19/17]], [[34/31]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 4 | ||
| 8 | | 228.57 | ||
| [[ | | [[8/7]], [[33/29]] | ||
| [[17/15]], [[31/27]], [[38/33]], [[43/38]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 5 | ||
| | | 285.71 | ||
| [[ | | [[13/11]], [[33/28]], [[46/39]] | ||
| [[19/16]], [[27/23]], [[32/27]], [[34/29]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 6 | ||
| | | 342.86 | ||
| [[ | | [[28/23]], [[39/32]] | ||
| [[11/9]], [[17/14]], [[23/19]], [[38/31]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 7 | | 7 | ||
| | | 400.00 | ||
| [[ | | [[29/23]], [[39/31]] | ||
| | | [[19/15]], [[34/27]], [[43/34]], [[54/43]] | ||
|- | |||
| 8 | |||
| 457.14 | |||
| [[13/10]], [[30/23]], [[39/30]], [[43/33]], [[56/43]] | |||
| [[38/29]] | |||
|- | |||
| 9 | |||
| 514.29 | |||
| [[31/23]], [[39/29]], [[43/32]], [[58/43]] | |||
| [[19/14]], [[23/17]] | |||
|- | |||
| 10 | |||
| 571.43 | |||
| [[32/23]], [[39/28]], [[46/33]], [[43/31]], [[60/43]] | |||
| [[18/13]], [[38/27]] | |||
|- | |||
| 11 | |||
| 628.57 | |||
| [[23/16]], [[56/39]], [[33/23]], [[43/30]], [[62/43]] | |||
| [[13/9]], [[27/19]] | |||
|- | |||
| 12 | |||
| 685.71 | |||
| [[46/31]], [[58/39]], [[43/29]], [[64/43]] | |||
| [[28/19]], [[34/23]] | |||
|- | |||
| 13 | |||
| 742.86 | |||
| [[20/13]], [[23/15]], [[60/39]], [[43/28]], [[66/43]] | |||
| [[29/19]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 14 | |||
| 800.00 | |||
| [[46/29]], [[62/39]] | |||
| [[30/19]], [[27/17]], [[43/27]], [[68/43]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 15 | ||
| | | 857.14 | ||
| | | [[23/14]], [[64/39]] | ||
| | | [[18/11]], [[28/17]], [[38/23]], [[31/19]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 16 | ||
| | | 914.29 | ||
| | | [[22/13]], [[56/33]], [[39/23]] | ||
| | | [[32/19]], [[27/16]], [[46/27]], [[29/17]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 17 | ||
| | | 971.43 | ||
| | | [[7/4]], [[58/33]] | ||
| | | [[30/17]], [[54/31]], [[33/19]], [[76/43]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 18 | ||
| | | 1028.57 | ||
| | | [[20/11]], [[29/16]], [[56/31]], [[78/43]] | ||
| | | [[9/5]], [[34/19]], [[31/17]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 19 | ||
| | | 1085.71 | ||
| | | [[15/8]], [[28/15]], [[58/31]], [[62/33]], [[43/23]] | ||
| [[32/17]], [[54/29]] | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 20 | ||
| | | 1142.86 | ||
| | | [[29/15]], [[56/29]], [[31/16]], [[60/31]], [[64/33]] | ||
| | | [[27/14]], [[33/17]], [[76/39]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 21 | ||
| | | 1200.00 | ||
| | | colspan="2" | [[2/1]] | ||
| | |||
|} | |} | ||
<nowiki/>*43-odd-limit ratios of the 2.15.7.33.39.23.29.31.43 subgroup | |||
<nowiki/>**Odd 27 by direct approximation | |||
Note: In the second column, the ratios 9/5, 11/9, 13/9, and their octave complements are all included here, being expressable as 27/15, 33/27, and 39/27 respectively. These ratios are mapped inconsistently to their second-best approximations in the patent val. | |||
=== 15-odd-limit interval mappings === | |||
{{Q-odd-limit intervals}} | |||
== Regular temperament properties == | == Regular temperament properties == | ||
| Line 650: | Line 698: | ||
| 3 | | 3 | ||
| 1\21 | | 1\21 | ||
| [[ | | [[Hemiug]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 3 | | 3 | ||
| 2\21 | | 2\21 | ||
| [[Augmented]] / [[august]] | | [[Augmented (temperament)|Augmented]] / [[august]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 3 | | 3 | ||
| Line 665: | Line 713: | ||
|} | |} | ||
== | == Scales == | ||
* | === MOS scales === | ||
Since 21edo contains sub-edos of 3 and 7, it contains no heptatonic [[MOS scale]]s (other than 7edo and a few very [[Step ratio|hard]] scales) and a wealth of scales that repeat at a 1/3-octave period. | |||
For 7-limit harmony (based on a chord of 0-7-12-17 approximating 4:5:6:7), using 1/3-octave period scales (i.e. those related to [[augmented (temperament)|augmented]] temperament) yields the most harmonically-efficient scales. The 9-tone [[3L 6s]] scale (related to Tcherepnin's scale in [[12edo]]) is an excellent example. | |||
For scales with a full-octave period, only 6 degrees of 21edo generate unique scales: 1\21, 2\21, 4\21, 5\21, 8\21, and 10\21. Other degrees generate either 7edo, 3edo, or a repetition of one of the other scales. | |||
21edo has the [[Step ratio|soft]] [[oneirotonic]] ([[5L 3s]]) MOS with generator 8\21; in addition to the [[naiadic]]s that generate it, it has neutral thirds (instead of major thirds as in [[13edo]] oneirotonic), neogothic minor thirds, and Baroque diatonic semitones. The 4-oneirosteps are more tritone-like than fifth-like, unlike in 13edo, although they do have a consonant, even JI-like quality to them. In terms of JI, it mainly approximates 16:23:30, 16:23:29 and their inversions. | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Periods per octave | |||
! Generator | |||
! MOSes | |||
|- | |||
| 1 | |||
| 2\21 | |||
| [[1L 9s]] <br> [[10L 1s]] | |||
|- | |||
| 1 | |||
| 4\21 | |||
| [[5L 1s]]<br/>[[5L 6s]] | |||
|- | |||
| 1 | |||
| 5\21 | |||
| [[4L 1s]]<br/> [[4L 5s]]<br/> [[4L 9s]] | |||
|- | |||
| 1 | |||
| 8\21 | |||
| [[3L 2s]]<br/> [[5L 3s]]<br/> [[8L 5s]] | |||
|- | |||
| 3 | |||
| 2\21 | |||
| [[3L 3s]]<br/> [[3L 6s]]<br/> [[9L 3s]] | |||
|- | |||
| 3 | |||
| 3\21 | |||
| [[3L 3s]]<br/> [[6L 3s]]<br/>[[6L 9s]] | |||
|- | |||
| 7 | |||
| 1\21 | |||
| [[7L 7s]] | |||
|} | |||
==== List of useful MOS ==== | |||
* [[August]][6]: 5 2 5 2 5 2 (can use this like the augmented scale) | |||
* August[12]: 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 (can use this like the chromatic scale) | |||
* [[Oodako]][6]: 3 4 3 4 3 4 (can use this like the whole tone scale) | |||
* Oodako[9]: 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 (optimised for no-fifths, no-fourths harmony, very [[xenharmonic]]) | |||
* Oodako[15]: 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 | |||
* [[Slendric]][5]: 4 4 4 4 5 | |||
* Slendric[6]: 4 4 4 4 1 4 | |||
* Slendric[11]: 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 (optimised for no-5s [[17-limit]] harmony, very xenharmonic) | |||
* [[Whitewood]][7]: 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 (identical to [[7edo]]) | |||
* Whitewood[14]: 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 | |||
=== Rank-3 scales === | |||
The rank-3 scale [[diasem]] (3 2 3 1 3 2 3 1 3 or 3 1 3 2 3 1 3 2 3 in 21edo) is the 21edo tempering of [[Zarlino]] diatonic with 1\21 comma steps added, resulting in two "major seconds" (171{{c}} and 228{{c}}), two "minor thirds" (286{{c}} and 343{{c}}) and two "fourths" (457{{c}} and 514{{c}}). 21edo is the smallest edo to support a non-degenerate diasem (with L:M:S ratio 3:2:1). | |||
=== Tetrachordal scales === | |||
While 21edo lacks any 7-note MOS scales, one can still construct a variety of interesting and useful 7-note scales using tetrachords instead of MOS generators. The 21edo fourth is 9 steps, which can be divided into three parts in the following ways: | |||
{| class="wikitable center-1 center-2" | |||
|- | |||
! [[Step pattern]] | |||
! [[Cents]] | |||
! Example | |||
! Name* | |||
! Ups/downs name | |||
|- | |||
| 3, 3, 3 | |||
| (0)-171-343-(514) | |||
| C D E F | |||
| Equable diatonic | |||
| C perfect | |||
|- | |||
| 4, 3, 2 | |||
| (0)-229-400-(514) | |||
| C ^D ^E F | |||
| Soft diatonic | |||
| C up, up-2 | |||
|- | |||
| 4, 4, 1 | |||
| (0)-229-457-(514) | |||
| C ^D ^^E F | |||
| Intense diatonic | |||
| C dup, up-2 & 6 | |||
|- | |||
| 5, 3, 1 | |||
| (0)-286-457-(514) | |||
| C ^^D ^^E F | |||
| Archytas chromatic | |||
| C dup, dup-2 | |||
|- | |||
| 5, 2, 2 | |||
| (0)-286-400-(514) | |||
| C ^^D ^E F | |||
| Weak chromatic | |||
| C up, dup 2 & 6 | |||
|- | |||
| 6, 2, 1 | |||
| (0)-343-457-(514) | |||
| C ^<span style="font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">3</span>D ^^E F | |||
| Strong enharmonic | |||
| C dup, trup 2 & 6 | |||
|- | |||
| 7, 1, 1 | |||
| (0)-400-457-(514) | |||
| C ^<span style="font-size: 90%; vertical-align: super;">4</span>D ^^E F | |||
| Pythagorean enharmonic | |||
| C dup, quadruple-up 2 & 6 | |||
|} | |||
∗These names may not be correct in relating to the ancient Greek tetrachordal [[genera]]; please change them if you know better! | |||
The steps of these 7 basic patterns can also be permuted/rotated to give a total of 28 tetrachords, which can then be combined in either conjunct or disjunct form to yield a staggering number of scales. Thus 21 EDO can do reasonably-convincing imitations of the melodic forms of various tetrachordal musical traditions, such as ancient Greek, maqam, and dastgah. | |||
=== Other scales === | |||
Some [[modmos]] of the [[miracle]] temperament are available in 21edo: | |||
* Modmos of miracle[8]: 2 5 2 3 3 1 3 2 | |||
* Modmos of miracle[11]: 2 3 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 3 2 | |||
The subset 2 3 7 2 7 of 21edo ([[Pelog21]]) sounds similar to the ''Pelog lima'' mode of the [[Pelog]] scale. | |||
Some modified versions of that Pelog-like scale, which vaguely resemble Japanese scales, include: | |||
* 4 1 7 2 7 | |||
* 4 1 7 3 6 | |||
They sound best with with metallic and/or percussive timbres, such as the aperiodic timbres in [[Scale Workshop]]. | |||
The subset 4 5 3 5 4 of 21edo is a kooky pseudo-[[equipentatonic]] scale. | |||
The subset 2 5 5 6 3 of 21edo is a good tuning for the [[magnetosphere scale]]{{idio}}. | |||
== Instruments == | |||
[[Lumatone mapping for 21edo|Lumatone mappings for 21edo]] are available. | |||
== Music == | == Music == | ||
; [[Abnormality]] | ; [[Abnormality]] | ||
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcHBY0S024s ''DEUS EX 5L1s''] (2025) | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcHBY0S024s ''DEUS EX 5L1s''] (2025) | ||
; [[Beheld]] | ; [[Beheld]] | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTcevFGxB_Q ''Huge vibe''] | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTcevFGxB_Q ''Huge vibe''] | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW8AMFdkDw4 ''Hearty vibe''] (2024) | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW8AMFdkDw4 ''Hearty vibe''] (2024) | ||
; [[Bryan Deister]] | |||
* [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yLSIZxJnMh8 ''21edo waltz''] (2025) | |||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S4C-m_Dcno ''21edo improv''] (2026) | |||
* [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9a-nJ_Ml9z8 ''21edo groove''] (2026) | |||
; [[Fabrizio Fiale]] | ; [[Fabrizio Fiale]] | ||
* [https://www.reverbnation.com/ffffiale/song/17858773-lesatonale-ubriaco L'esatonale ubriaco (the drunk hexatonal), ALIENAMENTE] | * [https://www.reverbnation.com/ffffiale/song/17858773-lesatonale-ubriaco ''L'esatonale ubriaco (the drunk hexatonal), ALIENAMENTE''] | ||
; [[Francium]] | ; [[Francium]] | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOJhks06uLI '' | * "Gordon Guide" from ''XenRhythms'' (2024) – [https://open.spotify.com/track/3O8rX7wHSYFV2AXj6yVc5u Spotify] | [https://francium223.bandcamp.com/track/gordon-guide Bandcamp] | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOJhks06uLI YouTube] – in Gorgo[11], 21edo tuning | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llr_vws6alY ''Gumballs & Party Dancing''] (2025) | |||
; [[Frédéric Gagné]] | ; [[Frédéric Gagné]] | ||
* [https://youtu.be/tDjLcCictVQ?t=119 Tostarena: Ruins (21edo cover)], from [[XA Discord]]'s ''Xen Cover Project 2'' ([https://musescore.com/user/5995996/scores/8607089 score]) | * [https://youtu.be/tDjLcCictVQ?t=119 ''Tostarena: Ruins (21edo cover)''], from [[XA Discord]]'s ''Xen Cover Project 2'' ([https://musescore.com/user/5995996/scores/8607089 score]) | ||
; [[Frédéric Gagné]], [[Ian Means]] and [[User:AraMax|AraMax]] | ; [[Frédéric Gagné]], [[Ian Means]] and [[User:AraMax|AraMax]] | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rTbLQ9j1sE&t=135s Mirage Haze], from XA Discord's ''Deleted User EP'' ([https://musescore.com/user/5995996/scores/7852055 score]) | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rTbLQ9j1sE&t=135s ''Mirage Haze''], from XA Discord's ''Deleted User EP'' ([https://musescore.com/user/5995996/scores/7852055 score]) | ||
; [[Andrew Heathwaite]] | ; [[Andrew Heathwaite]] | ||
* [https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=122613&songID=933715 Anomalous Readings] [http://clones.soonlabel.com/public/micro/gene_ward_smith/Others/Heathwaite/andrewheathwaite+anomalousreadingsin21tet.mp3 (MP3)] | * [https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=122613&songID=933715 ''Anomalous Readings''] [http://clones.soonlabel.com/public/micro/gene_ward_smith/Others/Heathwaite/andrewheathwaite+anomalousreadingsin21tet.mp3 (MP3)] | ||
; [[Inthar]] | ; [[Inthar]] | ||
* [[:File:The Angels' Library.mp3|The Angels' Library]] in the Sarnathian (23233233) mode of 21edo [[5L 3s]] ([[:File:The Angels' Library Score.pdf|score]]) | * ''[[:File:The Angels' Library.mp3|The Angels' Library]] in the Sarnathian (23233233) mode of 21edo [[5L 3s]]'' ([[:File:The Angels' Library Score.pdf|score]]) | ||
; [[Budjarn Lambeth]] | |||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIwfO1lZWAc ''The Bells In The Rain (uses a scale designed for metallic timbres)''] (2025) | |||
; [[Claudi Meneghin]] | ; [[Claudi Meneghin]] | ||
* [http://soonlabel.com/xenharmonic/archives/2336 21-penny jingle] {{dead link}} | * [http://soonlabel.com/xenharmonic/archives/2336 ''21-penny jingle''] {{dead link}} | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpcqXD8tpXc Trio Sonata in 21edo for Organ (The Sewing Machine)] | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpcqXD8tpXc ''Trio Sonata in 21edo for Organ (The Sewing Machine)''] (2018) | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0QA0ZQHPvk 21edo Chacony, for two Harpsichords] | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0QA0ZQHPvk ''21edo Chacony, for two Harpsichords''] (2019) | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0aKutu0gVg ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, with Shepard Effect''] (2023) | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0aKutu0gVg ''Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, with Shepard Effect''] (2023) | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlpAbSdy_sg ''Trio Sonata for Baroque Trio in 21 EDO''] (2026) | |||
; [[Nick, The NRG]] | ; [[Nick, The NRG]] | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHyrWBH57sw Moonlight Shanty] | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHyrWBH57sw ''Moonlight Shanty''] | ||
; [[NullPointerException Music]] | ; [[NullPointerException Music]] | ||
| Line 711: | Line 902: | ||
; [[Relyt R]] | ; [[Relyt R]] | ||
* from ''Xuixo'' (2023) | * from ''Xuixo'' (2023) | ||
** | ** ''Silicon Burning'' [https://relytr.bandcamp.com/track/silicon-burning-21-edo Bandcamp] | [https://open.spotify.com/track/4MxWvoBpGAbBVvvD3uZhDp Spotify] | ||
** | ** ''10 Megakelvin'' [https://relytr.bandcamp.com/track/10-megakelvin-21-edo Bandcamp] | [https://open.spotify.com/track/7D8gGwgdctEyoAxDqfgLEI Spotify] | ||
; [[Ron Sword]] | ; [[Ron Sword]] | ||
* [http://www.ronsword.com/sounds/21_improv.mp3 Short Clip of 21-edo Acoustic] {{dead link}} | * [http://www.ronsword.com/sounds/21_improv.mp3 ''Short Clip of 21-edo Acoustic''] {{dead link}} | ||
* [http://www.ronsword.com/sounds/Ron_Sword_21_Tone_improv.mp3 Open tuning Drone Improvisation in 21-edo] {{dead link}} | * [http://www.ronsword.com/sounds/Ron_Sword_21_Tone_improv.mp3 ''Open tuning Drone Improvisation in 21-edo''] {{dead link}} | ||
; [[Stephen Weigel]] | ; [[Stephen Weigel]] | ||
* [https://soundcloud.com/overtoneshock/little-fugue-21-edo?in=overtoneshock/sets/xenharmonic-microtonal Iridescent Wenge Fugue] (accepted to [https://www.seamusonline.org/ SEAMUS 2018] and [http://eabarndance.com/ Electroacoustic Barn Dance 2018]) | * [https://soundcloud.com/overtoneshock/little-fugue-21-edo?in=overtoneshock/sets/xenharmonic-microtonal ''Iridescent Wenge Fugue''] (accepted to [https://www.seamusonline.org/ SEAMUS 2018] and [http://eabarndance.com/ Electroacoustic Barn Dance 2018]) | ||
* [https://xenharmonicgod.bandcamp.com/album/weigel-family-christmas-xenharmonic-chocolate WEIGEL FAMILY CHRISTMAS (xenharmonic chocolate)], an album of xenharmonic Christmas covers, many are in 21 EDO | * [https://xenharmonicgod.bandcamp.com/album/weigel-family-christmas-xenharmonic-chocolate ''WEIGEL FAMILY CHRISTMAS (xenharmonic chocolate)'']{{dead link}}, an album of xenharmonic Christmas covers, many are in 21 EDO | ||
; [[Randy Wells]] | ; [[Randy Wells]] | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA5HfL3FjJU The Island Scene] | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA5HfL3FjJU ''The Island Scene''] | ||
; [[Randy Winchester]] | ; [[Randy Winchester]] | ||
* [http://micro.soonlabel.com/gene_ward_smith/Others/Winchester/15%20-%2015.%2021%20octave.mp3 Comets Over Flatland 15] | * [http://micro.soonlabel.com/gene_ward_smith/Others/Winchester/15%20-%2015.%2021%20octave.mp3 ''Comets Over Flatland 15''] | ||
* [http://micro.soonlabel.com/gene_ward_smith/Others/Winchester/18%20-%2018.%2021%20octave.mp3 Comets Over Flatland 18] | * [http://micro.soonlabel.com/gene_ward_smith/Others/Winchester/18%20-%2018.%2021%20octave.mp3 ''Comets Over Flatland 18''] | ||
== | ; [[User:Fitzgerald_Lee|Fitzgerald Lee]] | ||
* | * [https://youtu.be/Nxn2FJWORIg ''Teetering Rag''] (2025) | ||
== Books / literature == | |||
* Sword, Ron. "Icosihenaphonic Scales for Guitar". IAAA Press. 1st ed: July 2009. | |||
[[Category:21edo| ]] <!-- main article --> | [[Category:21edo| ]] <!-- main article --> | ||
Latest revision as of 04:58, 25 May 2026
| ← 20edo | 21edo | 22edo → |
21 equal divisions of the octave (abbreviated 21edo or 21ed2), also called 21-tone equal temperament (21tet) or 21 equal temperament (21et) when viewed under a regular temperament perspective, is the tuning system that divides the octave into 21 equal parts of about 57.1 ¢ each. Each step represents a frequency ratio of 21/21, or the 21st root of 2.
Theory
21edo contains three 7edo "equiheptatonic" scales, and can be interpreted as 7edo but with the capability to inflect up or down by a quarter-tone. The 7edo subset functions as an equalized "diatonic" scale, though non-mos options might also be preferable (such as omnidiatonic). In other words, all intervals have "minor", "neutral", and "major" variations, which makes building scales in 21edo rather interesting. If 21edo is analyzed purely diatonically, no chromatic alterations can exist because the chromatic semitone is equal to 0 cents (a fact characteristic of whitewood temperaments). So, another pair of accidentals (such as ups and downs) is usually used instead, though they might be "reskinned" as sharps and flats to aid melodic intuition.
21edo supports tertian harmony with 7edo's flat fifth, containing both 7edo's neutral chords and inflected major and minor chords. The 5/4 major third is mapped to 400 ¢, identical to 12edo's, but the minor third is more extreme in 21edo due to the flatness of the fifth (closer to subminor), so that the chords might be more comparable to neogothic chords. In fact, 6/5 is slightly closer to the 6-step neutral third than the 5-step minor third, meaning 21edo lacks consistency to the 5-odd-limit.
In terms of interval regions, 21edo possesses four types of 2nds (subminor, minor, submajor, and supermajor), three types of 3rds (subminor, neutral, and major), a "third-fourth/naiadic" (an interval that can function as either a supermajor 3rd or a narrow 4th), a wide (or acute) 4th, and a narrow tritone, as well as the octave-inversions of all of these intervals.
Because 21edo is a Fibonacci edo, it contains an approximation to the logarithmic phi superfifth, which generates golden MOS scales 3L 2s, 5L 3s, and 8L 5s, with 21edo itself being an equalized version of 13L 8s.
Thanks to its sevenths, 21edo is an ideal tuning for its size for metallic harmony.
Odd harmonics
| Harmonic | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Error | Absolute (¢) | -16.2 | +13.7 | +2.6 | +24.7 | +20.1 | +16.6 | -2.6 | +9.3 | -11.8 | -13.6 | +0.3 |
| Relative (%) | -28.4 | +24.0 | +4.6 | +43.2 | +35.2 | +29.1 | -4.5 | +16.3 | -20.6 | -23.9 | +0.5 | |
| Steps (reduced) |
33 (12) |
49 (7) |
59 (17) |
67 (4) |
73 (10) |
78 (15) |
82 (19) |
86 (2) |
89 (5) |
92 (8) |
95 (11) | |
| Harmonic | 25 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Error | Absolute (¢) | +27.4 | +8.4 | -1.0 | -2.2 | +3.9 | +16.3 | -22.8 | +0.4 | +28.1 | +2.8 | -18.8 |
| Relative (%) | +47.9 | +14.7 | -1.8 | -3.8 | +6.8 | +28.5 | -39.9 | +0.7 | +49.1 | +4.8 | -32.9 | |
| Steps (reduced) |
98 (14) |
100 (16) |
102 (18) |
104 (20) |
106 (1) |
108 (3) |
109 (4) |
111 (6) |
113 (8) |
114 (9) |
115 (10) | |
Intervals
Note names are given with 7edo as the naturals and arrows (written as ^ and v) for inflections up/down by one edostep. Inconsistent intervals are in italics.
| # | Name | Cents | Approximate Ratios* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | C | 0.00 | 1/1 |
| 1 | ^C | 57.14 | 21/20 |
| 2 | vD | 114.29 | 14/13, 15/14, 16/15 |
| 3 | D | 171.43 | 9/8, 13/12, 35/32 |
| 4 | ^D | 228.57 | 8/7, 10/9 |
| 5 | vE | 285.71 | 6/5, 7/6 |
| 6 | E | 342.86 | 39/32, 128/105, 16/13 |
| 7 | ^E | 400.00 | 5/4, 9/7 |
| 8 | vF | 457.14 | 13/10, 21/16 |
| 9 | F | 514.29 | 4/3 |
| 10 | ^F | 571.43 | 7/5 |
| 11 | vG | 628.57 | 10/7 |
| 12 | G | 685.71 | 3/2 |
| 13 | ^G | 742.86 | 20/13, 32/21 |
| 14 | vA | 800.00 | 8/5, 14/9 |
| 15 | A | 857.14 | 64/39, 105/64, 13/8 |
| 16 | ^A | 914.29 | 5/3, 12/7 |
| 17 | vB | 971.43 | 7/4, 9/5 |
| 18 | B | 1028.57 | 16/9, 24/13, 64/35 |
| 19 | ^B | 1085.71 | 13/7, 28/15, 15/8 |
| 20 | vC | 1142.86 | 40/21 |
| 21 | C | 1200.00 | 2/1 |
*As a 2.3.5.7.13-subgroup temperament
Notation
The following table gives a comparison of some notation systems for 21edo.
| Degree | Cents | Ups and downs notation | 5L 3s octatonic notation |
Extended-diatonic interval name |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0.00 | 1 | unison | C | C | Unison |
| 1 | 57.14 | ^1 vv2 | up unison, dud 2nd |
^C vvD |
C# | Subminor 2nd |
| 2 | 114.29 | ^^1 v2 |
dup unison, down 2nd |
^^C vD |
Db | Minor 2nd |
| 3 | 171.43 | 2 | 2nd | D | D | Submajor 2nd |
| 4 | 228.57 | ^2 vv3 |
up 2nd, dud 3rd |
^D vvE |
D# | Supermajor 2nd |
| 5 | 285.71 | ^^2 v3 |
dup 2nd, down 3rd |
^^D vE |
Eb | Subminor 3rd |
| 6 | 342.86 | 3 | 3rd | E | E | Neutral 3rd |
| 7 | 400.00 | ^3 vv4 |
up 3rd, dud 4th |
^E vvF |
E#/Fb | Major 3rd |
| 8 | 457.14 | ^^3 v4 |
dup 3rd, down 4th |
^^E vF |
F | Third-fourth (naiadic) |
| 9 | 514.29 | 4 | 4th | F | F# | Acute 4th |
| 10 | 571.43 | ^4 vv5 |
up 4th, dud 5th |
^F vvG |
Gb | Narrow tritone |
| 11 | 628.57 | ^^4 v5 |
dup 4th, down 5th |
^^F vG |
G | Wide tritone |
| 12 | 685.71 | 5 | 5th | G | G# | Grave 5th |
| 13 | 742.86 | ^5 vv6 |
up 5th, dud 6th |
^G vvA |
Hb | Fifth-sixth (cocytic) |
| 14 | 800.00 | ^^5 v6 |
dup 5th, down 6th |
^^G vA |
H | Minor 6th |
| 15 | 857.14 | 6 | 6th | A | H#/Ab | Neutral 6th |
| 16 | 914.29 | ^6 vv7 |
up 6th, dud 7th |
^A vvB |
A | Supermajor 6th |
| 17 | 971.43 | ^^6 v7 |
dup 6th, down 7th |
^^A vB |
A# | Subminor 7th |
| 18 | 1028.57 | 7 | 7th | B | Bb | Supraminor 7th |
| 19 | 1085.71 | ^7 vv8 |
up 7th, dud 8ve |
^B vvC |
B | Major 7th |
| 20 | 1142.86 | ^^7 v8 |
dup 7th, down 8ve |
^^B vC |
B#/Cb | Supermajor 7th |
| 21 | 1200.00 | 8 | 8ve | C | C | Octave |
Sagittal notation
This notation uses the same sagittal sequence as 16-EDO, is a subset of the notation for 42b, and is a superset of the notation for 7-EDO.
Chords
Chord names
Ups and downs can be used to name 21edo chords. Because every interval is perfect, the quality can be omitted, and the words major, minor, augmented and diminished are never used. Alterations are always enclosed in parentheses, additions never are. An up or down immediately after the chord root affects the 3rd, 6th, 7th, and/or the 11th (every other note of a stacked-3rds chord 6-1-3-5-7-9-11-13).
0-6-12 = C E G = C = C or C perfect
0-5-12 = C vE G = Cv = C down
0-7-12 = C ^E G = C^ = C up
0-6-11 = C E vG = C(v5) = C down-five
0-7-13 = C ^E ^G = C^(^5) = C up up-five
0-6-12-18 = C E G B = C7 = C seven
0-6-12-17 = C E G vB = C,v7 = C add down-seven
0-5-12-18 = C vE G B = Cv,7 = C down add seven
0-5-12-17 = C vE G vB = Cv7 = C down-seven
For a more complete list, see Ups and downs notation#Chords and Chord Progressions.
Triadic harmony
One interesting feature of 21edo is the variety of triads it offers. Five of its intervals--228.6¢, 285.7¢, 342.9¢, 400¢, and 457.1¢ can function categorically as "3rds" for those whose ears are accustomed to diatonic interval categories, representing inframinor, minor, neutral, major, and ultramajor 3rds respectively (or dud, down, perfect, up and dup). One can couple these with 21edo's narrow fifth to form five types of triad. In addition to these, there are a few noteworthy "altered" triads that stand out as representations to parts of the harmonic series:
| Steps | Cents | Ratio | Example in C | Written name | Spoken name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5-10 | 0-286-571 | 23:27:32 | C vE vvG | Cv(vv5) | C down, dud five |
| 0-4-11 | 0-229-629 | 7:8:10 | C vvE vG | Cvv(v5) | C dud, down five |
| 0-6-11 | 0-343-629 | 9:11:13 | C E vG | C(v5) | C down-five |
| 0-5-13 | 0-286-743 | 11:13:17 | C vE ^G | Cv(^5) | C down up-five |
| 0-8-13 | 0-457-743 | 13:17:20 | C vF ^G | Cv4(^5) | C (sus) down-four up-five |
Approximation to JI
While 21edo does not approximate most low-limit just intervals well, it approximates a number of harmonics quite accurately. For example, 21edo closely approximates the octave-reduced harmonics 7/4 (a subminor seventh), 15/8 (a major seventh), 23/16 (a wide tritone), 29/16 (a supraminor seventh), 31/16 (a supermajor seventh), 33/32 (a quartertone), 39/32 (a neutral third), and 43/32 (an acute fourth). The intervals 17/16, 19/16, 27/16 are approximated less accurately, but are still usable, though 19 being flat combined with 17 and 27 being sharp means that 19/17 and 27/19 are over 20 cents off. 21edo can be crudely treated as a no-11s 31-limit temperament, though the lack of consistency will give some unusual results, such as 10/9 being mapped wider than 9/8. However, treating 21edo as a 2.15.7.33.39.23.29.31.43 subgroup temperament allows for a more accurate JI interpretation of the tuning, with a maximum error of any 43-odd-limit interval in this subgroup being 6.4 ¢. These approximations are also used by 63edo and 84edo, which each cover many primes in high limits. 21edo also works well on the 2.27.9/5.7.11/5.13/5.17/5 subgroup, which can be derived from 63edo, and is possibly a more sensible way to treat it.
*43-odd-limit ratios of the 2.15.7.33.39.23.29.31.43 subgroup
**Odd 27 by direct approximation
Note: In the second column, the ratios 9/5, 11/9, 13/9, and their octave complements are all included here, being expressable as 27/15, 33/27, and 39/27 respectively. These ratios are mapped inconsistently to their second-best approximations in the patent val.
15-odd-limit interval mappings
The following tables show how 15-odd-limit intervals are represented in 21edo. Prime harmonics are in bold; inconsistent intervals are in italics.
| Interval and complement | Error (abs, ¢) | Error (rel, %) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1, 2/1 | 0.000 | 0.0 |
| 15/8, 16/15 | 2.554 | 4.5 |
| 7/4, 8/7 | 2.603 | 4.6 |
| 13/10, 20/13 | 2.929 | 5.1 |
| 13/11, 22/13 | 3.495 | 6.1 |
| 11/9, 18/11 | 4.551 | 8.0 |
| 15/14, 28/15 | 5.157 | 9.0 |
| 11/10, 20/11 | 6.424 | 11.2 |
| 13/9, 18/13 | 8.046 | 14.1 |
| 9/5, 10/9 | 10.975 | 19.2 |
| 7/5, 10/7 | 11.084 | 19.4 |
| 5/4, 8/5 | 13.686 | 24.0 |
| 13/7, 14/13 | 14.013 | 24.5 |
| 3/2, 4/3 | 16.241 | 28.4 |
| 13/8, 16/13 | 16.615 | 29.1 |
| 11/7, 14/11 | 17.508 | 30.6 |
| 7/6, 12/7 | 18.843 | 33.0 |
| 15/13, 26/15 | 19.170 | 33.5 |
| 11/8, 16/11 | 20.111 | 35.2 |
| 11/6, 12/11 | 20.792 | 36.4 |
| 9/7, 14/9 | 22.059 | 38.6 |
| 15/11, 22/15 | 22.665 | 39.7 |
| 13/12, 24/13 | 24.287 | 42.5 |
| 9/8, 16/9 | 24.661 | 43.2 |
| 5/3, 6/5 | 27.216 | 47.6 |
| Interval and complement | Error (abs, ¢) | Error (rel, %) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1, 2/1 | 0.000 | 0.0 |
| 15/8, 16/15 | 2.554 | 4.5 |
| 7/4, 8/7 | 2.603 | 4.6 |
| 13/10, 20/13 | 2.929 | 5.1 |
| 13/11, 22/13 | 3.495 | 6.1 |
| 15/14, 28/15 | 5.157 | 9.0 |
| 11/10, 20/11 | 6.424 | 11.2 |
| 7/5, 10/7 | 11.084 | 19.4 |
| 5/4, 8/5 | 13.686 | 24.0 |
| 13/7, 14/13 | 14.013 | 24.5 |
| 3/2, 4/3 | 16.241 | 28.4 |
| 13/8, 16/13 | 16.615 | 29.1 |
| 11/7, 14/11 | 17.508 | 30.6 |
| 7/6, 12/7 | 18.843 | 33.0 |
| 15/13, 26/15 | 19.170 | 33.5 |
| 11/8, 16/11 | 20.111 | 35.2 |
| 15/11, 22/15 | 22.665 | 39.7 |
| 5/3, 6/5 | 29.927 | 52.4 |
| 9/8, 16/9 | 32.481 | 56.8 |
| 13/12, 24/13 | 32.856 | 57.5 |
| 9/7, 14/9 | 35.084 | 61.4 |
| 11/6, 12/11 | 36.351 | 63.6 |
| 9/5, 10/9 | 46.168 | 80.8 |
| 13/9, 18/13 | 49.097 | 85.9 |
| 11/9, 18/11 | 52.592 | 92.0 |
Regular temperament properties
The patent val for 21edo tempers out 128/125 and 2187/2000 in the 5-limit, and supplies the optimal patent val for the 5-limit laconic temperament tempering out 2187/2000, and also the optimal patent val for 7-, 11- and 13-limit gorgo, and 11- and 13-limit spartan. These temperaments lead to some "interesting" mappings, where 10/9 is larger than 9/8, 11/9 is larger than 16/13, and 8/7 maps to the same interval as 10/9, for instance.
Uniform maps
| Min. size | Max. size | Wart notation | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.6732 | 20.8381 | 21cdef | ⟨21 33 48 58 72 77] |
| 20.8381 | 20.8878 | 21cef | ⟨21 33 48 59 72 77] |
| 20.8878 | 20.9435 | 21ef | ⟨21 33 49 59 72 77] |
| 20.9435 | 20.9572 | 21e | ⟨21 33 49 59 72 78] |
| 20.9572 | 21.1361 | 21 | ⟨21 33 49 59 73 78] |
| 21.1361 | 21.1943 | 21b | ⟨21 34 49 59 73 78] |
| 21.1943 | 21.2137 | 21bdd | ⟨21 34 49 60 73 78] |
Commas
21et tempers out the following commas. (Note: This assumes the val ⟨21 33 49 59 73 78].)
| Prime Limit |
Ratio[1] | Monzo | Cents | Color name | Name(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2187/2048 | [-11 7⟩ | 113.69 | Lawa | Whtiewood comma, apotome, Pythagorean chroma |
| 5 | 128/125 | [7 0 -3⟩ | 41.06 | Trigu | Augmented comma, diesis |
| 5 | (16 digits) | [-25 7 6⟩ | 31.57 | Lala-tribiyo | Ampersand comma |
| 5 | (20 digits) | [32 -7 -9⟩ | 9.49 | Sasa-tritrigu | Escapade comma |
| 7 | 1029/1000 | [-3 1 -3 3⟩ | 49.49 | Trizogu | Keega |
| 7 | 36/35 | [2 2 -1 -1⟩ | 48.77 | Rugu | Mint comma, septimal quartertone |
| 7 | (18 digits) | [-10 7 8 -7⟩ | 22.41 | Lasepru-aquadbiyo | Blackjackisma |
| 7 | 1029/1024 | [-10 1 0 3⟩ | 8.43 | Latrizo | Gamelisma |
| 7 | 225/224 | [-5 2 2 -1⟩ | 7.71 | Ruyoyo | Marvel comma, septimal kleisma |
| 7 | 16875/16807 | [0 3 4 -5⟩ | 6.99 | Quinru-aquadyo | Mirkwai comma |
| 7 | 2401/2400 | [-5 -1 -2 4⟩ | 0.72 | Bizozogu | Breedsma |
| 7 | (30 digits) | [47 -7 -7 -7⟩ | 0.34 | Trisa-seprugu | Akjaysma |
| 11 | 99/98 | [-1 2 0 -2 1⟩ | 17.58 | Loruru | Mothwellsma |
| 11 | 176/175 | [4 0 -2 -1 1⟩ | 9.86 | Lorugugu | Valinorsma |
| 11 | 4000/3993 | [5 -1 3 0 -3⟩ | 3.03 | Triluyo | Wizardharry comma |
- ↑ Ratios longer than 10 digits are presented by placeholders with informative hints
Rank-2 temperaments
| Periods per 8ve |
Generator | Temperaments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1\21 | Escapade |
| 1 | 2\21 | Miracle |
| 1 | 4\21 | Slendric / gorgo / gidorah |
| 1 | 5\21 | Subklei |
| 1 | 8\21 | Tridec |
| 1 | 10\21 | Triton |
| 3 | 1\21 | Hemiug |
| 3 | 2\21 | Augmented / august |
| 3 | 3\21 | Oodako |
| 7 | 1\21 | Whitewood |
Scales
MOS scales
Since 21edo contains sub-edos of 3 and 7, it contains no heptatonic MOS scales (other than 7edo and a few very hard scales) and a wealth of scales that repeat at a 1/3-octave period.
For 7-limit harmony (based on a chord of 0-7-12-17 approximating 4:5:6:7), using 1/3-octave period scales (i.e. those related to augmented temperament) yields the most harmonically-efficient scales. The 9-tone 3L 6s scale (related to Tcherepnin's scale in 12edo) is an excellent example.
For scales with a full-octave period, only 6 degrees of 21edo generate unique scales: 1\21, 2\21, 4\21, 5\21, 8\21, and 10\21. Other degrees generate either 7edo, 3edo, or a repetition of one of the other scales.
21edo has the soft oneirotonic (5L 3s) MOS with generator 8\21; in addition to the naiadics that generate it, it has neutral thirds (instead of major thirds as in 13edo oneirotonic), neogothic minor thirds, and Baroque diatonic semitones. The 4-oneirosteps are more tritone-like than fifth-like, unlike in 13edo, although they do have a consonant, even JI-like quality to them. In terms of JI, it mainly approximates 16:23:30, 16:23:29 and their inversions.
| Periods per octave | Generator | MOSes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2\21 | 1L 9s 10L 1s |
| 1 | 4\21 | 5L 1s 5L 6s |
| 1 | 5\21 | 4L 1s 4L 5s 4L 9s |
| 1 | 8\21 | 3L 2s 5L 3s 8L 5s |
| 3 | 2\21 | 3L 3s 3L 6s 9L 3s |
| 3 | 3\21 | 3L 3s 6L 3s 6L 9s |
| 7 | 1\21 | 7L 7s |
List of useful MOS
- August[6]: 5 2 5 2 5 2 (can use this like the augmented scale)
- August[12]: 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 (can use this like the chromatic scale)
- Oodako[6]: 3 4 3 4 3 4 (can use this like the whole tone scale)
- Oodako[9]: 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 (optimised for no-fifths, no-fourths harmony, very xenharmonic)
- Oodako[15]: 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1
- Slendric[5]: 4 4 4 4 5
- Slendric[6]: 4 4 4 4 1 4
- Slendric[11]: 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 (optimised for no-5s 17-limit harmony, very xenharmonic)
- Whitewood[7]: 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 (identical to 7edo)
- Whitewood[14]: 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1
Rank-3 scales
The rank-3 scale diasem (3 2 3 1 3 2 3 1 3 or 3 1 3 2 3 1 3 2 3 in 21edo) is the 21edo tempering of Zarlino diatonic with 1\21 comma steps added, resulting in two "major seconds" (171 ¢ and 228 ¢), two "minor thirds" (286 ¢ and 343 ¢) and two "fourths" (457 ¢ and 514 ¢). 21edo is the smallest edo to support a non-degenerate diasem (with L:M:S ratio 3:2:1).
Tetrachordal scales
While 21edo lacks any 7-note MOS scales, one can still construct a variety of interesting and useful 7-note scales using tetrachords instead of MOS generators. The 21edo fourth is 9 steps, which can be divided into three parts in the following ways:
| Step pattern | Cents | Example | Name* | Ups/downs name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3, 3, 3 | (0)-171-343-(514) | C D E F | Equable diatonic | C perfect |
| 4, 3, 2 | (0)-229-400-(514) | C ^D ^E F | Soft diatonic | C up, up-2 |
| 4, 4, 1 | (0)-229-457-(514) | C ^D ^^E F | Intense diatonic | C dup, up-2 & 6 |
| 5, 3, 1 | (0)-286-457-(514) | C ^^D ^^E F | Archytas chromatic | C dup, dup-2 |
| 5, 2, 2 | (0)-286-400-(514) | C ^^D ^E F | Weak chromatic | C up, dup 2 & 6 |
| 6, 2, 1 | (0)-343-457-(514) | C ^3D ^^E F | Strong enharmonic | C dup, trup 2 & 6 |
| 7, 1, 1 | (0)-400-457-(514) | C ^4D ^^E F | Pythagorean enharmonic | C dup, quadruple-up 2 & 6 |
∗These names may not be correct in relating to the ancient Greek tetrachordal genera; please change them if you know better!
The steps of these 7 basic patterns can also be permuted/rotated to give a total of 28 tetrachords, which can then be combined in either conjunct or disjunct form to yield a staggering number of scales. Thus 21 EDO can do reasonably-convincing imitations of the melodic forms of various tetrachordal musical traditions, such as ancient Greek, maqam, and dastgah.
Other scales
Some modmos of the miracle temperament are available in 21edo:
- Modmos of miracle[8]: 2 5 2 3 3 1 3 2
- Modmos of miracle[11]: 2 3 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 3 2
The subset 2 3 7 2 7 of 21edo (Pelog21) sounds similar to the Pelog lima mode of the Pelog scale.
Some modified versions of that Pelog-like scale, which vaguely resemble Japanese scales, include:
- 4 1 7 2 7
- 4 1 7 3 6
They sound best with with metallic and/or percussive timbres, such as the aperiodic timbres in Scale Workshop.
The subset 4 5 3 5 4 of 21edo is a kooky pseudo-equipentatonic scale.
The subset 2 5 5 6 3 of 21edo is a good tuning for the magnetosphere scale[idiosyncratic term].
Instruments
Lumatone mappings for 21edo are available.
Music
- DEUS EX 5L1s (2025)
- Huge vibe
- Hearty vibe (2024)
- 21edo waltz (2025)
- 21edo improv (2026)
- 21edo groove (2026)
- "Gordon Guide" from XenRhythms (2024) – Spotify | Bandcamp | YouTube – in Gorgo[11], 21edo tuning
- Gumballs & Party Dancing (2025)
- Tostarena: Ruins (21edo cover), from XA Discord's Xen Cover Project 2 (score)
- Mirage Haze, from XA Discord's Deleted User EP (score)
- The Angels' Library in the Sarnathian (23233233) mode of 21edo 5L 3s (score)
- 21-penny jingle [dead link]
- Trio Sonata in 21edo for Organ (The Sewing Machine) (2018)
- 21edo Chacony, for two Harpsichords (2019)
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, with Shepard Effect (2023)
- Trio Sonata for Baroque Trio in 21 EDO (2026)
- Edolian - Twenty-One (2020)
- Iridescent Wenge Fugue (accepted to SEAMUS 2018 and Electroacoustic Barn Dance 2018)
- WEIGEL FAMILY CHRISTMAS (xenharmonic chocolate)[dead link], an album of xenharmonic Christmas covers, many are in 21 EDO
- Teetering Rag (2025)
Books / literature
- Sword, Ron. "Icosihenaphonic Scales for Guitar". IAAA Press. 1st ed: July 2009.